Our Safeguarding Approach

At Vitesse Touch Rugby, the safety, well-being, and protection of our young players (ages 11–17) are at the core of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where young athletes can learn, enjoy, and excel in the sport of touch rugby. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility. We take a proactive, preventative approach to ensure that every child is protected from harm, neglect, and maltreatment, and that their physical and emotional welfare is supported at all times.

Why Safeguarding Matters to Us

Sport offers incredible opportunities for young people to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. However, these benefits can only be fully realised when players feel secure and supported.

Our safeguarding approach is designed to:

  • Protect: Keep all young athletes safe from maltreatment, abuse, or harm.

  • Promote: Foster a safe, positive environment that supports physical health, mental resilience, and personal growth.

  • Empower: Ensure players know their boundaries, feel listened to, and know how to seek help if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe

What We Do: Our Core Safeguarding Commitments

1. Police-Checked & Trained Staff

  • Vetting & Recruitment: All coaches, volunteers, and operational staff undergo rigorous background and police checks (such as French B3 criminal record checks) prior to working with players.

  • Mandatory Training: Every coach receives mandatory, certified safeguarding training. Staff are trained to recognise signs of harm, handle disclosures sensitively, and act immediately upon concerns.

2. Designated Safeguarding Leadership

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): A dedicated lead oversees all child welfare matters, ensures policies are upheld, and serves as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Procedures & Escalation: We maintain clear protocols for recording, reporting, and responding to concerns, acting always in the best interest of the child.

3. Clear Code of Conduct & Professional Boundaries

  • Positive Environments: Coaches uphold the highest standards of professional behavior. We strictly prohibit inappropriate one-on-one contact, inappropriate communication on personal devices, or unsupervised isolated situations.

  • Changing Facilities: Adults will not enter children’s changing facilities outside an emergency that threatens the health and wellbing of a player. Photos or video recording equipment are strictly prohibited in changing areas.

4. Inter-Agency Collaboration & Compliance

  • We operate in full compliance with relevant local laws and regulations.

  • Where necessary to protect a child's welfare, we work constructively alongside local child welfare authorities (such as ASE, CRIP, and ADRET) and local law enforcement.

5. Safe Activities & Environments

  • Risk Assessments: Prior to training sessions, tournaments, or off-site trips, risk assessments are conducted to ensure physical safety, site security, and adequate supervision ratios

  • Inclusivity & SEND Support: We provide tailored pastoral support for players with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to ensure safe and inclusive participation for everyone.

Reporting a Concern

If you are a player, parent, or coach and have a concern regarding the safety or well-being of a young person at Vitesse Touch Rugby, please speak up.

  • Safeguarding Lead Contact: James Wellings at safeguarding@vitesserugby.com

  • Emergency Response: If a child is in immediate danger, local emergency services or local child protection authorities will be contacted immediately.